Letter
Dear Mr. Reyes-Gavilan:
In its public meeting of 19 September conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved a concept submission for the new Congress Heights Library, to be located at 1304 Alabama Avenue, SE, on Parcel 18 of the St. Elizabeths East Campus.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the proposed transit-oriented location for the new library, whose design they characterized as accessible, simple, and elegant. In their approval of the concept—composed of two triangular wings flanking a central spine allowing passage across the site—they commended the introduction of the two courtyards within the wings, which they found to be beautiful and effective components of the design. They also expressed support for the proposed landscape, which would increase the amount of green space on the site while accommodating the existing concentration of transit infrastructure; they encouraged adding more canopy trees where feasible to provide more shade and places of respite.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this important civic project. Please coordinate the next submission with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Richard Reyes-Gavilan, Executive Director
D.C. Public Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
cc: Carl Knutson, Perkins&Will
Brian Bolen, ParkerRodriguez